Purpose of Business Watch
- To prevent crime from taking place in and around our businesses
- To increase communication and a sense of community between local business owners
Business Watch is an RCMP-supported crime prevention program which utilizes a network of business owners to share community updates. It is a collaborative program between business owners, community policing, and the RCMP, who work together to protect our local businesses from crime and mischief.
Why does Business Watch work?
Business Watch works because offenders tend to target locations that appear unprotected or easy to access. By creating a strong communication network, participating businesses make it far more difficult for someone to commit — or repeat — a crime in the area. The program also incorporates Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles, helping businesses become harder targets and increasing the likelihood that offenders are identified, which reduces attempted crime.
Business Watch is supported by the RCMP and streamlines communication with the Shawnigan Lake RCMP when concerns about crime or mischief arise.
Why become a member?
There are many benefits of having your business participate in the Business Watch program. Members of the program will have access to Community Policing’s staff who are trained in the police reporting process, crime prevention education, and a network of other active business owners trying to make a change.
- Do you own or manage a business?
- Are you concerned with crime at your business or the surrounding area?
- Would you like to help protect your own or surrounding businesses?
- Are you ready to become actively involved in reducing crime in the business community?
If so, we would like to have you as a Business Watch participant!
Are you ready to join?
Are you:
- Committed to deterring crime in your area and surrounding businesses?
- A team player who will communicate concerns to other businesses?
- Committed to alerting other businesses of crime and theft quickly?
Business Watch Application
Take the first step toward a safer business community — complete an application form to join Business Watch. This collaborative program, supported by South Cowichan Community Policing and the Shawnigan Lake RCMP, brings local businesses together to stay informed and proactive. As a member, you agree to:
- Receive up‑to‑date information on crime trends and share your concerns directly with Community Policing and the RCMP
- Get tailored crime‑prevention materials designed specifically for Business Watch participants
- Connect with other business owners who care about safety and community well‑being
- Play an active role in reducing crime and creating a safer environment for everyone
Business Watch Crime Prevention Tips
Crime prevention is most effective when it is a community-wide effort. The more eyes and ears in our community, the fewer opportunities there are to commit crime.
Proactive Crime Prevention Techniques
- Train staff to detect counterfeit money
- Give “active” customer service and periodically check in with every customer
- Ask customers to remove sunglasses and jacket hoods upon entry
Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
One of the main ways businesses can protect themselves from crime is by using Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) techniques. These techniques focus on making crime harder to commit. Here are some CPTED tips to consider for your business:
- Use dead bolt locks on all doors
- Have a visible alarm system
- Have a visible CCTV or security camera system
- Leave an interior light on at night
- Leave an exterior on at night
- Keep a well-maintained appearance of the interior and exterior of your business and remove graffiti
- Keep only small amounts of cash on hand and put up a sign stating so
- Put up mirrors in your business to see around corners or areas currently blocked by product
Need More Information?
Stop by the South Cowichan Community Policing office and ask about the new Business Watch program.
Location:
845B Deloume Road, Mill Bay, BC V8H 1B1
Office Contact Information:
(250) 929-7222 | sccp@shaw.ca
